Authors :
Dr. Lubega Farouq
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/2hpk4f37
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/bddz4xxb
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec168
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Abstract :
Transparency and accountability are fundamental governance principles essential for improving efficiency, reducing
corruption, and building public trust in administrative agencies. This study analyzed mechanisms for promoting transparency
and accountability within the Judiciary of Uganda. Using a descriptive mixed method design, the research gathered data from
65 judicial personnel selected from the districts of Kampala, Mbale, Gulu, and Mbarara through questionnaires, interviews,
and document reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS, while qualitative responses were analyzed
thematically. Findings revealed significant transparency gaps in case management, financial oversight, public communication,
and human resource administration. Only 21.7% of respondents believed judicial decisions were communicated transparently,
whereas 60% rated current accountability mechanisms as ineffective. Recurring administrative weaknesses included delays,
inconsistent case file handling, poor public engagement, and low accessibility of judicial information. The study concludes that
improving transparency requires institutional reforms, technological advancement, standardized communication, stronger
oversight, and enhanced public participation. Recommendations include full implementation of the Electronic Court Case
Management Information System (ECCMIS), transparent budgeting, ethical training, regular audits, and better stakeholder
engagement mechanisms.
Keywords :
Judiciary of Uganda, Transparency in Judiciary, Judicial Accountability, Administrative Agencies, Case Management, Financial Management, Public Trust in Judiciary, Judicial Reforms, Electronic Court Case Management, Public Participation in Governance, Human Resource Management in Judiciary, Governance and Oversight, Rule of Law Uganda, Judicial Performance Evaluation, Corruption Prevention in Judiciary.
References :
- Ackerman, J. M. (2005). Social accountability in the public sector: A conceptual discussion. World Bank Papers, 82, 1–20.
- Ayeni, V. (2010). Public sector reform in Africa: The case of Uganda. African Governance Press.
- Bovens, M. (2007). Analysing and assessing accountability: A conceptual framework. European Law Journal, 13(4), 447–468.
- Fox, J. (2007). The uncertain relationship between transparency and accountability. Development in Practice, 17(4–5), 663–671.
- Giezen, M. (2013). Transparency, accountability and participation in policy-making. Public Administration Review, 73(3), 457–467.
- Heald, D. (2006). Transparency as an instrumental value. In C. Hood & D. Heald (Eds.), Transparency: The key to better governance? (pp. 59–73). Oxford University Press.
- Hood, C. (2010). The blame game: Spin, bureaucracy, and self-preservation in government. Princeton University Press.
- Judiciary of Uganda. (2020). Annual performance report. Judiciary of Uganda Publications.
- Kakumba, U. (2010). Local government citizen participation and governance in Uganda.
- Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, 7, 1–26.
- Kaufmann, D., & Kraay, A. (2008). Governance indicators: Where are we, where should we be going? The World Bank Research Observer, 23(1), 1–30.
- Meijer, A. (2013). Understanding the complex dynamics of transparency. Public Administration Review, 73(3), 431–444.
- United Nations Development Programme. (2015). Governance for sustainable development. UNDP Publications.
- World Bank. (2019). Uganda governance and accountability report. World Bank Group.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental governance principles essential for improving efficiency, reducing
corruption, and building public trust in administrative agencies. This study analyzed mechanisms for promoting transparency
and accountability within the Judiciary of Uganda. Using a descriptive mixed method design, the research gathered data from
65 judicial personnel selected from the districts of Kampala, Mbale, Gulu, and Mbarara through questionnaires, interviews,
and document reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS, while qualitative responses were analyzed
thematically. Findings revealed significant transparency gaps in case management, financial oversight, public communication,
and human resource administration. Only 21.7% of respondents believed judicial decisions were communicated transparently,
whereas 60% rated current accountability mechanisms as ineffective. Recurring administrative weaknesses included delays,
inconsistent case file handling, poor public engagement, and low accessibility of judicial information. The study concludes that
improving transparency requires institutional reforms, technological advancement, standardized communication, stronger
oversight, and enhanced public participation. Recommendations include full implementation of the Electronic Court Case
Management Information System (ECCMIS), transparent budgeting, ethical training, regular audits, and better stakeholder
engagement mechanisms.
Keywords :
Judiciary of Uganda, Transparency in Judiciary, Judicial Accountability, Administrative Agencies, Case Management, Financial Management, Public Trust in Judiciary, Judicial Reforms, Electronic Court Case Management, Public Participation in Governance, Human Resource Management in Judiciary, Governance and Oversight, Rule of Law Uganda, Judicial Performance Evaluation, Corruption Prevention in Judiciary.